Photoelectric sensors
Photoelectric sensors detect an object by means of light – without touching it, independently of the material and over distances no inductive sensor can reach. Which design is right comes down to one question: where may the light go? If there is room for a counterpart, the through-beam sensor is the safest choice; if a reflector will do, it becomes the retroreflective sensor; if only one side is accessible, the diffuse mode sensor remains. We list 2,208 items in eight categories, split along exactly this design. The level sits under Turck sensors.
Barriers and diffuse mode sensors
The through-beam sensors (474 items) have the highest excess gain and the longest range, but need two mounting points and two cables. The retroreflective sensors (360) save the second cable and work against a reflector; the polarised version is mandatory as soon as shiny objects are involved. The diffuse mode sensors (828) need no counterpart at all – with background suppression they reliably detect dark objects in front of a light background as well.
Special designs for tight and fast cases
Where no sensor fits, the fibre optic sensors (235) lead the optics to the measuring point through a fibre while the electronics stay protected in the amplifier. The fork sensors (55) hold emitter and receiver rigidly in a U-shaped housing and spare any alignment – typical on labellers and in printing machines. The light curtains and light grids (138) monitor an area instead of a line and report every object above a given size.
Measuring instead of switching
Not every task ends with a switching signal. The optical distance sensors (95) output the distance as an analog value or via IO-Link and suit levels in open containers, stack heights and web edges. The colour, contrast and luminescence sensors (23) do not distinguish whether something is there, but what it is: colour against a setpoint, print mark on the web, UV-active substances such as adhesives or marking inks.
What decides the choice
Three details narrow the choice quickly. The range: from a few millimetres in the fork to over 50 metres for the through-beam sensor, the stated value applying to light, matt objects. The light type: red light is visible and eases alignment, infrared is less sensitive to contamination, laser produces the smallest light spot. And the protection class: IP67 is the rule, IP69 for high-pressure cleaning. All three are available as filters in every category, along with design, housing material, connection, output function and adjustment type.
Ordering and accessories
Reflectors, reflective films, fibre optics, mounting brackets and connection cables are supplied on request to match the sensor – not all of them are in the shop, but they come from the same catalogue. Every Turck item carries an ident number and a meaningful type designation; with those we also find the version that is not yet listed. The overview of all sensor brands is under sensors.
Your advantages when buying from us
- 2,208 photoelectric sensors in eight categories – barriers, diffuse mode sensors, fibre optics, light curtains and measuring sensors
- We ship worldwide
- Fast delivery by UPS (parcel) or DSV (pallets) – express shipping available too
- We are happy to advise on operating principle, range, light type and connection
- Reseller? Send your reseller enquiry directly to us – discounts depending on volume
- Large company or public authority? Order on account – just ask
